MODERN TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

The US Highway system was overlaid directly on the existing Minnesota highway state system beginning in 1927.  By 1934, Minnesota started to modernize the way it designated the routes through the state, and major changes ocurred again with the coming of the US Interstate system.  The major US Interstates that run through Minnesota are 35, 90, 94, 394, 494, and 694.  I-35 actually splits into two parts at the Twin Cities - creating 35W N&S and 35E N&S.  This can be confusing to the novice California driver - but it makes it easy to know if you are near Minneapolis or closer to St. Paul.   CLICK ON THE MAP TO THE RIGHT TO ENLARGE

LINK TO DOT

Like all states in the US, Minnesota is online! Wether its DSL, Cable Modem, or good old Dial-Up, Minnesotans are able to check their daily snow conditions, buy groceries, and email family in California.  CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MINNEAPOLIS!

Minnesota has many choices for transportation - public and private.  Currently, the MN Dept of Transportation is investigating passenger light rail alternatives, and high speed rail.  There are currently Park and Ride lots, commuter rail, and buses availble to locals and visitors.

The picture at right is taken at the Minneapolis / ST. Paul International Airport - MSP.  MSP is one of the busiest airports with more than half a million take offs and landings each year.  An international traveler survey found MSP to be the best airport in North America.  Worldwide, MSP is ranked in the top five for overall customer satisfaction.  Currently, MSP is undergoing a $3 Billion major expansion.

The Minnesota Ports and Waterway system is one of the most impressive in the world.  Minnesota is served by two waterways - an inland river waterway and the Great Lakes/St.Lawrence Seaway.  The waterway syetems are still a low cost means of shipping bulk commodities over long distances.  The MIssissippi River alone stretches over 222 miles in the state.  The river system supports 5 port areas whose combined 2003 transport tonnage was 14.6 Million.  By far, the most tonnage transported is in the agriculture sector - shipping 60% down the Mississippi.  Minnesota has four ports on Lake Superior whose combined tonnage is 58.1 Million.  In fact, the port of Duluth is the westernmost port accessible from the Atlantic, and is the end of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the US.  FUN FACT:  Ships that operate only on the Great Lakes are called "Lakers."

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